This was a strong start to the Halfling Princess Chronicles series, it had that romance element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. I enjoyed this as a opening chapter and am excited to read more in this universe. The characters had that overall feel that I was wanting and enjoyed the fantastical element in this. K.D. Eagan wrote this well and was engaged from the first page.

4.5 stars

I don’t usually rate a story based on the first book in a series as things can easily go up or down depending on where the story goes... but judging this book on its own, I can definitely say it has potential.

I usually read pretty analytically (I love catching foreshadowing and making guesses about what’s coming), but this is one of those rare books where I truly couldn’t predict the story. My guesses kept being wrong, and honestly? That’s a good sign, because it means I was invested and genuinely surprised.

The worldbuilding was really interesting, especially the political intrigue and the way halflings are treated. All of that creates a strong backdrop for Astreilles’s personal struggles—especially since she’s thrown right into the role of army commander.

Now, the romance. Ahhh, I knew it! I almost DNFed at one point because the chemistry between her and her best friend Charaide didn’t click for me (it just felt too weak). But then… another potential love interest showed up, and wow—I devoured every single one of their interactions. I can already tell I might develop second-lead syndrome as the series goes on (if she ended up with her bestfriend), but honestly, that just makes me more excited for the next books.

Thank you so much for the ARC! Because of this, I’m seriously considering buying a physical copy just so I can reread it before the sequel releases.

P.S: I really hope more people discover this book soon so I can fangirl with them!

think this book kind of outlined a cool world; however, it just didn’t fully flesh out a full story. The pacing was all off, and like some fae are bound, even royals, but maybe I missed a brief mention of why. It’s also one of those books with weird names that you’re distracted for like two paragraphs reading but also still thinking about how the hell you pronounce the names. I liked the main character Astrielle, but her character development I feel was sacrificed to make more than one book. I think overall, the series may pan out to be good, it’s just too slow moving for me to give this a great rating.

🌙✨ Half-fae princess + slow-burn setup = a promising start!

Like a lot of first books, this one took its time building the world and introducing the characters, but honestly, I didn’t mind. It gave me space to really get to know the half-fae princess and her struggles. The pacing was slower, sure, but it feels like the groundwork is being laid for something bigger, and I’m so curious to see where the series goes from here.

And can we talk about this line?? 👇
“Does he hide this side of himself around me? Or have I just been blind to how brightly he shines?”
Ugh, my heart. 💔💫

Definitely excited for book two!

"A Crown of Secrets and Lies" is a standard but fun YA fantasy. Princess Astreilles, a "halfling" with a secret power, gets stuck in a civil war after her dad kicks the bucket. It's a classic tale of a reluctant hero forced to save a kingdom that doesn't even like her.
* The Plot: It's full of political betrayal, magical secrets, and a whole lot of lies. Basically, trust no one.
* The Romance: There's a potential enemies-to-lovers situation with a character who was literally sent to kill her. You know, the usual meet-cute.
* Overall: If you love well-known fantasy tropes, a sassy heroine, and a world where everyone is hiding something, you'll probably enjoy this. It's not a new story, but it's a good one.
Note: A book with this exact title does not appear to exist on Goodreads. It would be a great positive step for the author to list it there.

A Crown of Secrets and Lies was so easy to dive right into and be immersed into the world that K.D. Eagan created beautifully.
Its one of the most easy to understand and quick world building books I've read in a long time.
Astreilles is the princess and her character develops beautifully throughout the story as she discovers her powers, herself, and her feelings for her longtime best friend Charaide.
I absolutely loved the magic, slow burn, the action, mystery, and twists of this book! I will definitely be ordering this one and eagerly await the next book of this series! I don't want to wait! I highly recommend this book to everyone!
Thank you to Faery Whisper Press, Netgalley, and K.D. Eagen for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.